Aug. 24, 2009 -- The Michigan Department of Transportation's submission is part of an overall Corridor Improvement Plan for the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac Midwest High-speed Rail Corridor that consists of applications from lead states for funding, including: Michigan (Pontiac/Detroit to Michigan border), Amtrak (Michigan border to Porter, Indiana - already ARRA funded), Indiana (Indiana Gateway Improvements), Illinois (Chicago Terminal Limits), and Wisconsin (Midwest Train Equipment Fleet).

These applications pertain to Michigan's segment of the Chicago- Detroit/Pontiac Midwest High-Speed Rail Corridor. They include: stabilizing and improving the corridor track so that it can eventually sustain 110 mph speeds; improving signalization and grade crossings; upgrading the existing double-track line between Pontiac and Milwaukee Junction to accommodate 79-mph travel; improving Milwaukee Junction and Beaubien Interlocking; adding a second track from West Detroit toward Delray Junction to improve freight traffic, thereby improving passenger service between Dearborn, Detroit New Center Station and Milwaukee Junction; and replacing or rehabbing train stations along the entire corridor to better accommodate increased ridership and enhance intermodal connections.

MDOT expects final decision from the FRA in early 2010.

Environmental Assessment for the Chicago-Detroit/Pontiac corridor.

Projects submitted totaled $993 million (Total Cost in Year of Expenditure Dollars).

MDOT expects final decision from the FRA in early 2010.